I drove the car Sunday and it started fine cold and idled on its own for the first time since I have owned the car. The idle was not too smooth though but I guess no diesel idles perfectly when its first started cold. Also when driving off, the engine sounded like it had marbles rolling around in the combustion chambers maybe not unlike the sound of preignition in a gasser. The engine seems to sound a bit louder as well. I think it may be a little too advanced right now but it seems to have enough power while driving and it did not run any hotter than it usually does. It may take a little tinkering to get it right.
As far a new chain goes, I'm not going to mess with the old one. I plan on leaving the chain as it is for now.
By the responses I have so far received, I am sure there is some amount of chain stretch of which I'll only be able to find out when I pull the valve cover.
I'm curious how much is too much?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012